Scaffold Loading System for Stress Relaxation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Polymeric stents undergo stress relaxation when left in a crimped delivery configuration for extended periods, such as during shipping and storage, which can affect their performance during implantation.
Innovation Solution
A loading system comprising a delivery catheter, a funnel assembly with a tapered funnel structure, and a loading aid assembly with a receptacle and loading pins, allowing for the crimping and loading of self-expanding scaffolds just before implantation, thereby minimizing stress relaxation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polymeric stents are loaded into delivery system in advance, then shipping and storage are simplified, but stress relaxation occurs during extended storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary preparation of the delivery system (catheter, funnel assembly, loading aid assembly) without pre-loading the stent. All components are ready for immediate use, and the stent is loaded just before implantation, combining advance preparation benefits with fresh stent performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel assembly acts as an intermediary device that facilitates stent loading. It provides a controlled environment for crimping the stent onto the delivery catheter immediately before implantation, eliminating the need for extended pre-loading while maintaining operational efficiency.
2Loss of time
If polymeric stents are crimped for extended periods, then delivery system preparation is simplified, but stress relaxation affects implantation performance
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system components (catheter, funnel assembly, loading aid assembly) are prepared in advance, but the actual stent crimping is performed immediately before implantation. This separates system preparation from stent crimping, allowing efficient workflow without extended crimping duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent loading step is extracted and separated from the delivery system preparation process. The system is ready beforehand, but the stent is loaded at the last moment, eliminating the trade-off between preparation time and crimping quality.
3Productivity
If self-expanding scaffolds are crimped in advance, then logistics are simplified, but stress relaxation increases risk of implant failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows preliminary setup of all delivery components except the stent itself. The catheter, funnel assembly, and loading aid assembly are prepared and sterilized in advance, while the stent remains in its protective packaging until the moment of implantation, combining logistical efficiency with stent integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel assembly serves as an intermediary that enables rapid stent loading immediately before implantation. It provides a controlled crimping environment that minimizes stress relaxation while maintaining efficient workflow and logistics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables the efficient loading and deployment of self-expanding scaffolds by reducing stress relaxation, ensuring consistent performance and minimizing the risk of implant failure due to prolonged crimping.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered funnel structure... provides a funnel shape for crimping the scaffold
Implementation Method 2
polymeric stents may undergo stress relaxation if left in a crimped delivery configuration for an extended period of time
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure pertains, inter alia, to scaffold loading and delivery devices, assemblies, systems and methods of using the same.